IN THE SADDLE
It’s been a busy start to the year for Chipping Pony Club members, who have been involved in various activities, writes Joanne Conlon. Photography: Dobbin Photography
The Pony Club is very much about taking part in many equestrian disciplines and Chipping members are encouraged to have a go at everything from mounted games to show jumping, dressage and triathlons. The beginning of 2022 has certainly been busy. With an age range of three to 24, activities are varied with one common interest – the enjoyment of spending time with ponies and horses.
The inter-branch winter league competitions in dressage, show jumping and mounted games continue with Chipping members competing in all disciplines. Alongside these competitions the branch run training sessions with excellent quality tuition.
For the younger members mini rallies have been held. This gives the member on lead rein or just off lead rein the chance to practice their riding with their friends. The sessions are always fun and exciting and a pleasure to watch.
Our enthusiastic members recently competed in a triathlon held at Casterton School, Kirkby Lonsdale. Triathlon Pony Club style is running, swimming and shooting air pistols. Our dedicated triathletes have been learning how to shoot with the help of Blackburn Rifle and Pistol Club. Members aged eight to 16 years old learned how to safely handle air pistols as well as the skill of shooting in an accurate and timely manner with turning targets. Although the weather on competition day was wild, our members took it in their stride and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. So much so they have entered the next triathlon, which takes place in North Wales.
Fundraising is very important for the club so we were delighted to host Food Bingo at Chipping Village Hall. A busy evening, which was well supported by the village and locals helped raise £650. This will go towards the running of the camps in the summer.
The committee also organised a successful Arena Eventing competition held at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, Cheshire. The competition is a round of show jumps and cross country fences including a water jump with riders aiming to go clear and be nearest to the optimum time. Competitors came from as far as the Lake District, Crewe, Anglesey and the Peak District. Our own member Georgia had a successful day winning her class.
Back in Lancashire and now at Myerscough International Arena, success continued with Amy winning her show jumping class in the Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival qualifier. She will, next month, compete at Arena UK, Lincolnshire in the national finals. We wish her all the luck.
The programme of activities over the next few months sees no let up and members are all looking forward to the longer days and better weather.
If you’d like to know more about Pony Club, and in particular Chipping Branch, please contact the District Commissioner Joanne Conlon 01200 445143 or email: chipping@pcuk.org
